All About U: Worth

Depending on the observer, her worth is prominently defined by her outward appearance. She’s dejected, sorrowful, and known in the eyes of the world as “unfortunate”.  Hidden behind a lacerated hat, she shutters at the thought of eye contact.  Her unwashed dress is masked by a somewhat acceptable sweater that not only covers the scent of uncleanliness, but also keeps her warm.

She’s alone and has the strong awareness of being insignificant.   Instead of love, knowledge, and strength, she has only learned survival and how to merely subsist.  She is dark, companion-less, woeful, and desolate.

These characteristics might seem far fetched, but at one time or another, each of us have felt this way. I truly can’t help but get emotional when looking at these photographs.

Why?  Because these inward thoughts are real, and they’re literally, all around us.

A homeless person on the street who has succumbed to substance, the new girl at school who feels estranged, the poor kid in class who feels judged, the single mom who feels unsightly,  the unmarried woman who feels rejected, the overweight man that feels solitary, the father that feels unsuccessful, the son who feels like a failure, the daughter who feels no confidence, and the soul that feels no worth.

A man named Richard G. Scott asks, “With all my capacity I encourage you to discover who you really are.”  I’m a woman of faith, a believer in a higher power.  I believe that if we truly had the chance to reflect, to observe, and to actually see in the mirror the person that we truly were made to be, our fears and self-doubt would simply vanish.

Hidden behind her abandoned hat, her eyes are the most prominent blue.  Under the top of her soiled dress is a loving and swelling heart.  Beneath the stained oils are nurturing and rearing hands.   Disguised by dirty blemishes is a pure and flawless face.  Masked by the noise of the world is a soft, delicate voice waiting to be heard.  And covered by judgments, stereotypes, and heartlessness, is a beautiful soul who’s worth is profoundly and unmistakably infinite.

And is every bit of equal to you and I.

Hair: Michael Gabriel Lyons
Makeup Artistry: Savanah Colbert
Model: Kate Rasmussen

(Behind the scenes and individual shots, click below to enlarge.)

angie monson - wow. these are absolutely beautiful art. love them.

Ashley Madsen - What a powerful post. I was scrolling down to start reading and saw the top of the first picture, thought I’d take a sneak peek, and immediately got emotional over it. There is so much raw truth to this post. I think there are so many different messages to be learned from it as well; learning to become happy with who we are as individuals, treating everyone as equals, not judging, and becoming our best selves through all of it.

Thank you for this post, your amazing words, and these incredible photos. She is a gorgeous little girl.

Layne Boyle - wow! So awesome!!!

crissie - Seriously. You are killing me.

Jolene Monteath - Melissa-

We have only met once, at your reception in AZ, but my husband and I knew Philip the summer before you got married! Anyway, I stumbled across your website love your work. I especially love this post..you’re right, we have all been that girl. Thank you!

Sarah Robinson - Inspiration! Melissa you blow my mind. Your words are touching, your pictures are breathtaking and need to be framed and sold. This is touching! My favorite is the last shot, it tells such a story!
You are a beautiful person with a beautiful talent. I am so lucky to be able to see your art and call you my friend! Keep it up, you can change the world with this type of work!

Marie Long - Oh Melissa! These took my breath away! She was the perfect model for this shoot, and the message is one all should hear.

Niki Massey - Absolutely loved these shots and the message!!! You’re so talented!! Great job!

stephanie - thank you melissa, for saying the words that need to be heard. for reminding us that we are no alone. thank you for reminding us all that people have depth, value, and purpose, no matter what their appearance or place in society. these are who christ died for. and we all are “these”

Brynn - Melissa, I always check you website but I don’t comment enough. This is so neat. You have such a talent to write exactly what your feeling. It is so intertaining to read and it really paints the picture for me. I LOVE these pictures. What a neat thought. The girl you used is so perfect with her sweet little face. Can’t wait to see you in October for the wedding!

Brynn - Melissa, I check your website all the time but I don’t comment enough. You have such a talent to express something through words. You really paint the picture for me. I LOVE these pictures. It is such a neat idea. The girl you used is perfect with her sweet little face. I can’t wait to see you in October!

Jennifer Quinn - “Really?” Is what most of us ask when someone else says that she too has felt like this girl. “Really? YOU?” And the answer is always “Yes.” Yes, yes, yes, yes. We are all so much more alike than we are different. What a blessed and peaceful world we would have if only we could see this.

Melissa, Thank you for sharing YOU.

<3 Jenn

Nicole Klingler - beautiful! Thankyou!

Jake Garn - So, so perfect!

Audrey Lewis - Perfectly beautiful in every way. The words and the stunning pictures that just tug at my heart. Those last two are just precious, thanks for the reminder that we’re all special.

Zuzanna Audette - SO beautiful!

Personal: Rocks and Photographers

Rocks. They’re everywhere. Each consisting of different matters, densities, and textures. We as humans walk and even drive by thousands of rocks on a daily basis. It isn’t until we need one for skipping or other purposes that we actually pay attention to it’s physical characteristics.

Imagine if a rock had feelings. All of them sitting, waiting, jumbled in a big pile together. They spend there time observing others, comparing their strengths, and staring…waiting for someone to pick them up. Some are smooth with a brilliant tarnish and others can be sharp and without consistency. Many can be large and intimidating but be completely light and without substance. And many of them, quite frankly, are just chips off of another big rock.

Photographers. They’re everywhere. Each consisting of different brains, talents, and capabilities. We as humans walk and even come across many on a daily basis. It isn’t until we need one that we actually pay attention to his or her capabilities behind the camera.

Imagine that photographers all had feelings. We are all sitting, waiting, jumbled in a big pile of photographers. We spend our time observing others, comparing our weaknesses, and working…waiting for someone to pick us up.  Some are smooth with incredible equipment and others can be inconsistent.  Many can be large and intimidating but be completely soulless and without substance.  And many, quite frankly, are just big copiers of another big photographer.

Now I’m not trying to be deep.  Trust me.  I’m truly just trying to relate to my fellow photographers.  I can’t tell you how many times I have received emails or heard comments from other photographers about how they can’t keep up with the talent around them.  If I’m keeping it real, I’m letting you know that you’re not the only one that compares your work to others.  You’re not the only one that gets sick when you see an amazing piece of work from a “competing” photographer.  You’re not the only one that gets down about your talents when others are excelling.  I would be lying to you if I, too, hadn’t had these thoughts or feelings in the past.

Let me rewind. Days ago, a beautiful little five-year-old girl spent an afternoon studying the rocks in her backyard.  She found something unique, something that others in her family had walked on or passed by for years.  She bent over, dusted off the dirt and studied it’s characteristics.  She ran inside, wrapped it up in a handmade gift box, and hand-delivered it to my husband, Philip.  He had never seen a rock like it.  It was strong, small, and incredibly crafted and chiseled down to a most unrepeatable shape.

In the Boise area alone, there are thousands of rocks/photographers.  Some might call them “competitors” or “frienemies” of mine, but truly, I have nothing but empathy and appreciation for each of their rare talents, gifts, and characteristics of their own art form.  Each of them have a style that attract different clients.  Tyler Cazier, a classic and traditional photographer that has mastered gathering the beauty of what Idaho has to offer.  He is a veteran and one of the first to set up his own successful studio in the valley.  Nate Perkes, a new and upcoming photographer who captures fish-eye angles and architecture along with beautiful brides brilliantly.  And you watch, his business is about to explode.  Jennifer Ashby, Ashki Photography, Kam Taylor and Tiffany Hix are remarkable women who were born for family photography and portraiture.  Each of them have people skills and talents with not just the camera, but with people as well.  Laura Farris and Audrey Lewis are dear photographers that have the innate ability to dress up and capture the most precious of children.  And others like Crissie McDowell and  Diana Palmer who’s simplicity and vibrancy of colors and angles never let me down.  Even more than that, they are lovable and I consider them to be my friends.

I know there are hundreds of other photographers out there.  Leave a comment, send me an email.  I want to know you.  I want to relate to you and glory in your uniqueness as well.

After all, we might just be a big pile of “rocks” trying to get noticed, but you never know who will pick you up and fall in love with your unmistakable, undeniable, undisputable beauty.

Sarah - Wow. Thank you for this post. Thank you.

Daniel - It takes a confident person to dwell on others talents. Thank you Melissa. You are rare.

Peterson Photography - I NEEDED THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!

crissie - Melissa, you are so stinking sweet. You are seriously such a great person and I LOVE how well you wordsmith your thoughts. Moi!!! You always make me smile.

Ashley Madsen - Melissa!! Love this post. You have so many talents and writing is certainly one of them.

Melany - It brings a sense of confidence to know that I’m not the only one out there that is comparing myself to others. Thanks for the little reminders, Melissa.

Anonymous for many reasons. - Surprising that you wouldn’t feel that writing about other photographers wouldn’t hurt your business. But I like it.

Emily - Great post, my friend. I think your words apply not just to photographers, but to creative people in general. Love it, love you!

Ashley - I agree with Emily. I am “just a mom” but I completely related to this post. I consider myself a unique rock with gifts and talents that maybe no one else has. Sometimes it just takes a slap to the face to remind ourselves that others have worth and things they want to work on as well. Thanks Melissa. A million times, thanks.

Brittany Stover - You couldn’t have put it any more beautifully. You are a “rock”star for sure. Its funny, because we all feel it, but never say it.

Wendy C. Hosch - thank you for your post! i too feel this way and am not scared of other photographers amazing talent. art is all different and inspiring in its own way. and i would want people to hire me because they are in love with my work and style… not because they have a lack of options. more power to ya girl.

Marie Long - You’re great! I look up to you and your work so much! Thank you for reminding this world of photographers that we all have our own unique style! I feel like I have almost found mine.

Kam Taylor - Wow Melissa! Beautifully written and thank you for mentioning me. I couldn’t agree with you more. Big hugs to you and keep smiling my friend!

Laura Farris - Melissa, you have so many talents. I’m amazed at how you can arrange your thoughts into something so beautiful. You really are one of a kind. P.S. thanks for the nod.

Nicole Klingler - So sweet Melissa! Thankyou! You are wonderful!

Christie Petersen - I lovvvve this, thanks so much for posting, it was beauty-ful. I am also a Treasure Valley photog, so this was deeply meaningful.

Audrey Lewis - I really needed to hear this, thanks Melissa! I love seeing other photographers work in the area, and you’re super sweet to include me when I feel like I’m still learning and growing. You’re amazing!

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